Client Work

Leica/Agenda

We conceived and executed a Leica Camera product showcase and photography studio at multiple Agenda Tradeshows. The program was designed to directly engage key leaders in the worlds of art, design, fashion, media and entertainment. The program was a complete success and Leica was able to interact with thousands of creative industry influencers from around the globe.

Streetwear Today

We serve as the North American Editorial and Marketing Office for this 13 year old, European based Lifestyle publication. We also assist in the overall planning and execution of new market penetration and growth.

Hennessy x KAWS

The Keystone Design Union proudly assisted in developing the 2011 Hennessy X Kaws limited edition collaboration.
The KDU’s role was to contribute to recognize and secure the artistic talent; aide in artist’s negotiations; secure key media partnerships; accompany Artists and key media to Cognac, France; assist in development of overall strategy, media strategy, and media engagement; assist in different key influencer and media engagement and placement; as well as create exclusive video and photographic content.

The KDU is proud to have worked with other amazing agencies and innovators along with Hennessy’s own passionate team to bring forth a truly successful program. Special thanks goes to one50one, Morpheus, and Team Epiphany.

For more imagery and information on this project or others please contact : general@thekdu.com

ENK Coterie

The ENK Coterie tradeshow approached the KDU to supply a strategic solution to invigorate their largest and longest running fashion trade event. The KDU focused specifically on the Designers and the Garments, creating a solution that modernized the way both were featured during a trade market.

An on-site photo studio was created to showcase the garments as well as the designers themselves. The images were then channeled through all social media outlets in order to stimulate awareness of the market itself and provide added attention to the exhibitors. All photography created by the KDU CEO, David Gensler, as well as Phil Knott, and Timothy Rosado. All styling done by Daisy Hartmann and Elizabeth NeSmith of Daisy & Elizabeth, as well as numerous other members of the extended KDU family.

Daisy & Elizabeth

Daisy & Elizabeth is an emerging Brooklyn-based lingerie and swimwear brand dedicated to sustainable design and manufacturing. Started in 2011 by two Fashion Institute of Technology graduates, Daisy Hartmann and Elizabeth NeSmith, the brand is already garnering the attention of the industry, celebrity, and media. Now in their second season, Daisy & Elizabeth are part of the exclusive Keystone Design Union incubator/accelerator program that is focused on the support and promotion of emerging designers and brands.

The KDU handled all of the creative direction for the brand’s second season lookbook. Photography produced by KDU members Phil Knott and Timothy Rosado, with direction and design developed by the internal team. KDU Core Member Darren Newman hand-crafted the new logo and identity system for the brand.

TMRWToday

TMRWTODAY is the active media experience for the ENK/TMRW tradeshow that exists to showcase emerging fashion designers. TMRWTODAY amplifies the ideas and actions used to create a progressive future for fashion.

NBA All Star

German sports and lifestyle giant adidas came to the KDU to create graphics for the 2013 NBA All-Star Game. KDU’s Core Member Magomed Dovjenko and KDU Creative Director Jared Liner developed a graphical system to show the style of both the Eastern and Western conferences. Look for these graphics on the backs of players next year.

Sprite

Working with acclaimed agency Bartle Bogle Hegarty, The KDU was tasked with exploring the potential of Sprite’s visual brand language. Over 25 elite KDU members from around the world participated in the experiment.

K2 x SVSV

K2 Sports engaged the KDU and SVSV to develop a high tier collection of Boards, Boots, Bindings and Accessories. We focused on hand crafting each graphical element and placing it inside of a larger narrative entitled 33 Degrees. 33 Degrees is a concept about the state of matter or experience in flux – the magic of the moment just before change.

For more imagery and information on this project or others please contact : general@thekdu.com

Hennessy Artistry

In conjunction with Alloy Access, The KDU was retained to develop the 2010 Artistry Creative Campaign for Hennessy. All photography shot by KDU Core member, Phil Knott at the KDU studios in Brooklyn, New York.

For more imagery and information on this project or others please contact : general@thekdu.com

adidas / NBA Brooklyn Nets

As we are based in Brooklyn, New York, it was a great honor when adidas called on us to help ideate a new visual identity for the Brooklyn Nets. We assisted in developing various graphical options, product development, environmental applications, community engagement, and advance thinking on marketing activations.

For more imagery and information on this project or others please contact : general@thekdu.com

SVSV

Serum Versus Venom (SVSV) was created in 2003 as a long-term study into the interconnectedness of craft and utility focused on the pursuit of creating a new luxury.

While ultimately focused on creating Bespoke and short run garments, SVSV also explores home goods, jewelry, media and art as platforms for expression.

SVSV is rooted in the philosophy of Futurecraft™ – an ideological framework for creating high and sustainable value in an over-saturated consumer landscape by colliding elements of hype modernity with traditional product development philosophies, techniques and values.

We proudly stand in opposition of mass-marketed, mass-produced, mass-consumed fashion. Each garment and object we create sits proudly outside the normal boundaries of institutionalized fashion and design.

For more imagery and information on this project or others please contact : general@thekdu.com

Diesel Only The Brave

To celebrate the launch of their latest fragrance ‘Only The Brave’ Diesel asked us to create works which reflected Bravery. More than 30 members participated, representing over 15 countries. The aesthetic force of The KDU converged to create a visual experience of epic proportions. We worked closely with the SubRosa team to make this event happen.

The NEW YORK show opened in SOHO’s Openhouse Gallery to a capacity crowd; then debuted in Miami’s historic MOORE Building in the Design District. The classical space, with a permanent architectural installation by renowned architect Zaha Hadid, created the perfect backdrop to the amazing body of work.

Hennessy BOA

LVMH HENNESSY tapped the KDU to develop their most expansive artist collaboration to date. Questlove with Aerosyn-Lex, A-Trak with Dust La Rock, Steve Aoki with PJ Richardson, Kid Sister with Fafi, and Q-Tip with Josh Vanover. The project was designed to explore the Blending of different talents and personalities ultimately forming a unique visual experience for Hennessy. Our Creative Partner, UK based Protein created the interactive platform from which the campaign was continuously revealed throughout 2010.

For more imagery and information on this project or others please contact : general@thekdu.com

adidas Research

One critical aspect of our ongoing relationship with adidas is to provide global consumer insight, competitive mapping, new market penetration, and product development research. Our most recent assignment was focused on emerging trends and behaviors in China, Brazil, and the United Kingdom. While the majority of our research work must remain private, we encourage potential clients to contact us directly to learn more about how we can assist you with your trend forecasting and consumer insight needs.

In previous assignments, we have been tasked to drive innovation in various professional sports categories. We have provided expansive visual explorations into the aesthetic possibilities of professional sports. Our expertise is equally balanced between lifestyle and technical performance, often blurring the lines between these two distinct areas of focus.

For more imagery and information on this project or others please contact : general@thekdu.com

Hennessy Flask

Hennessy worked with the KDU to design and engineer a limited edition cover for their popular VS Flask. Focusing on a solution that gave maximum options – the final design is a single silicone mold that comes in over 20 popular colors. The KDU was also tapped to develop the advertising campaign and POS design for the product’s launch.

For more imagery and information on this project or others please contact : general@thekdu.com

Reebok

Reebok retained The Keystone Design Union to develop advanced sports and lifestyle strategies for 2010. While the majority of the work is confidential – some of the unique visual explorations can be shared.

The KDU investigated ways of making the brand more competitive through quick strike design and visual programs. A team of over 25 KDU members from around the world produced work pushing the visual limits of professional sports.

Additional trend forecasting, advanced marketing and digital solutions were presented and developed with our colleagues at Sub Rosa.

For more imagery and information on this project or others please contact : general@thekdu.com

361º

The KDU was tapped to develop the entire professional athletic apparel and accessories platform for 361 Sports, which debuted at the the 2010 All Asian Games in Guangzhou. Over 50 individual shoes and 400+ garments and accessories were carefully developed. While most modern fashion is designed only to interact with the consumer, the stakes are raised when the goal is to enhance the performance of professional athletes.

For more imagery and information on this project or others please contact : general@thekdu.com

TEDxBrooklyn

Special thanks to the newest KDU Core Member Daniel Leeb for arranging a special KDU Sponsorship of the recent TEDxBrooklyn Conference. KDU Core Member Sara Blake produced two large scale original illustrations in celebration, while Phil Knott captured the day in reportage style.

Solstice :: Vol. 1

This is a graphical expansion of the identity of The Keystone Design Union, representing the attitudes, opinions and codes of the world’s largest Design Society.
The Winter of 2010/2011 – Brooklyn, NY.

Contributors:

Creative Direction by David Gensler and Jared Liner – Masterfully designed by KDU Core Member Zach Shuta.

Solstice :: Vol. 2

This is a graphical expansion of the identity of The Keystone Design Union, representing the attitudes, opinions and codes of the world’s largest Design Society.
The Winter of 2010/2011 – Brooklyn, NY.

“It’s the business of the future to be dangerous.” – Alfred North Whitehead

“The KDU has always held fast to ignoring the moment – Invest our thoughts, fears and ambitions in the future. By the time the moment is upon us it is too late to control it – We must always focus on that which can be controlled – The future.” – David Gensler
Contributors

Creative Direction by David Gensler and Jared Liner – Masterfully designed by KDU Core Member Josh Vanover.

ROYAL Magazine

The Cultivation of Culture

ROYAL Magazine was a Design and Culture focused printed artifact. The books were produced quarterly and served as a platform for exploring the collisions of culture, art, music, fashion and more. Each issue was finely printed and perfect-bound with special appliques adorning the covers… The issues were always free and made their way into the top, culturally relevant boutiques, galleries, events and venues.

The entire KDU Network was called to create works each issue that truly pushed the limits of what had been seen in free printed publications. The books also served as key marketing tools which could be leveraged by brands and sponsors to promote both themselves and the culture in which they exist.

Contributors:
There have been so many great contributors to ROYAL that it is obviously impossible to name them all here… listed are but a few of The KDU members who lent their talents to this publication; Ryan Katrina Neuarmy, Dechazier Black Marmalade, Nigel Evan Dennis, Chuck Anderson, Justin Hethcoat, Dan Gordon, Valp, Hellovon and many, many more.

For more imagery and information on this project or others please contact : general@thekdu.com

Solstice :: Aesthetic Journal

Summer MMVIII

The Solstice is a finely produced limited edition book featuring the best of the KDU’s best. A visual playground – the book explores various visual themes and then carefully distributes the final product to key industry leaders and tastemakers. The book makes use of fine printing techniques and paper stocks and compiles the finest aesthetics and artwork produced by The KDU Network. It is released Biannually on both the winter and summer solstice.

Solstice :: Barcelona

The Solstice is a finely printed, limited-edition book featuring the best of the KDU’s best. A visual playground – the book explores various visual themes and then carefully distributes the final product to key industry leaders and tastemakers.

This edition of The Solstice was produced to commemorate our debut in Barcelona at the Bread & Butter trade show. We worked with with the BBB team to seed and distribute copies of the book to key attendees.

URB Magazine

The KDU was asked to re-envision and redefine a classic American music publication by taking over complete Creative Direction of URB Magazine. The 18 year-old music and culture magazine proved to be a great vehicle to showcase the depth and breadth of The KDU network’s talent. We pulled together teams of our own photographers, stylists, designers, illustrators, journalists and industry contacts to reinvigorate this well-known publication and brand.

With an acute attention to detail we crafted custom typefaces and lettering for each issue to live alongside the vibrant images we used to capture the energy and dynamism of the emerging artists and cultures which URB documents.

Freeland

Recording artist and UK Electronic music icon Adam Freeland asked The KDU to create a series of alarming and arresting visuals that would communicate the concept of his latest album. Their central concept COPE™ was conceived as an Orwellian allusion to the current state of the media and consumer culture.

For more imagery and information on this project or others please contact : general@thekdu.com

Solstice 2011

This issue was curated by KDU partner, Josh Vanover, KDU Core member, Victor Antonio and KDU Founder, David Gensler. Containing over one hundred original images, it represents our continuing effort to crate the future while resisting the Digital Haze and Hype.

For more imagery and information on this project or others please contact : general@thekdu.com

Ryz

World Paradigm Collection

Single artist collaborations have become cliche – almost dominating certain industry segments for the last 5 years. The KDU teamed up with Portland Footwear and Fashion company RYZ to push the envelope of the artist collaboration. Ultimately, 21 KDU artists from around the world produced original designs. From this single talent platform, countries such as Poland, England, Argentina, China, Canada, Indonesia, Australia, Germany, Korea Norway, Guatemala and America were represented, making this the largest single Footwear x Art collaboration to date.

For more imagery and information on this project or others please contact : general@thekdu.com

Brooklyn Machine Works

TEDxBrooklyn

The KDU Broadsheet

Solstice :: Vol. 1

Solstice :: Vol. 2

KDU I.D.

Bread & Butter Barcelona

ROYAL Magazine

Solstice :: Aesthetic Journal

Solstice :: Barcelona

URB Magazine

Freeland

Solstice 2011

Blaise Kavanagh

Ryz

Services

Our methodology is focused on providing modern, dynamic solutions that drive growth for both business and brand.

Research & Insights
With KDU members spread across the globe, our ability to recognize trends and opportunities is powerful and unique.
Our members are not passive “trend reporters,” they are active participants and infleuncers in the development of leading edge, global creative culture. We believe you can find out more from those who create than from those who simply observe and report.

Strategy & Planning
We believe nothing happens by chance. All great achievements are born from great plans, guided by innovative, focused strategy. The KDU has always put strategy first, and have developed both global and local strategies for some of the world’s largest brands, entertainers and organizations.

Design & Development
A great strategy and plan are nothing without cutting-edge actions and follow-through. Our global team has re-defined the meaning of speed-to-market and scope of services. From physical product design and fashion design to packaging, graphics and identity.

Marketing & Communications
We believe that in our over-crowded, consumptive marketplace, a brand needs to be focused, bold and consistent. The KDU helps brands focus their message and image, and then engage the market with culture-building marketing programs that drive results.

Seeding & Media Relations
We understand the butterfly effect is more relevant than ever in the modern digital age. Our relationships with key global media channels, celebrities, and cultural influencers has been built over decades of personal interaction. We take an active role in helping our media channels build their own brands, resulting in a trust that is uncommonly found in our industry.

Global Creative Collective

Locate. Unite. Innovate.

Since 2003, our mission has remained unchanged. We find the world’s top creative and business innovators, unite them in dynamic, adaptive teams, and then utilize their combined talents to solve complex business and brand problems.

Working with the KDU

We are most comfortable working directly with Agencies or Brands. We assess each problem independently and curate specialized teams of creative professionals, to develop solutions at a pace unmatched by traditional business and creative service models.

Our “curated team” methodology has been perfected since 2003 and has been successfully utilized by major brands around the world.

Now accepting Internship Applications for the KDU HQ in Williamsburg, BK. Internship Portfolio Submissions should include 5 to 10 work examples and an updated CV. Please send all applications to:general@thekdu.com